California Cosmetology is regulated by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which is a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Professions in these two categories are maintained by the Board, as well as the stores, shops, and salons that provide those services. Anyone who is interested in practicing California cosmetology must be licensed by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. These beauty services include haircutting, hair removal, skin care, manicures and pedicures, and shaving. To become licensed, a person must complete required courses and training that are regulated by the Board.



One of the main reasons in California cosmetology that the Board regulates salons and beauty shops is to maintain health and safety in establishments. If you are a patron at a barber shop that has cockroaches crawling amongst all of the hair that is left all over the floor, making the bugs look like they have moustaches, you would call the Board. Do you have information on someone running a practice for a fee that does not have a valid license to do so? Call the Board. With California cosmetology, they are there to handle these complaints of negligence, unsanitary conditions, and illegal practice.

To keep clients of California Cosmetology informed, the Board requires that a poster with their rules, regulations, and contact information be displayed in reception areas in every establishment that offers cosmetology services. The Board takes its role very seriously, because in any event of carelessness or noncompliance, a customers health and safety could be at risk by contracting viruses, funguses, and other infections if proper guidelines for sanitation are not followed. The license of the business that is authorized to practice California cosmetology should also be displayed. At the individual workstations of the cosmetologists should be their own personal California cosmetology licenses.

Although the Board does the best job possible regulating the California cosmetology establishments, they of course cannot see everything everywhere all the time. If you notice things that you are unsure about the legality of, make sure you contact the board just to be sure. The best way to make sure that the salon you choose for services is clean and safe is to pay a visit to it before going in for your appointment. Look at the condition of the sinks, floors, garbage cans, and workstations. Everything should look neat, tidy, and clean. For all cleaning and sanitation tasks, the Board has implemented a strict schedule that must be followed, so service businesses must keep a log of when these cleanings occur. Last but not least, all service providers of California cosmetology are required to wash their hands in between clients. So, before you make an appointment with the chic new salon and spa down the street go in and observe the place for a while, for your health and safetys sake. You might be surprised at what you find.